The Cross River State Health Insurance Agency (CRSHIA) has strengthened inclusive healthcare delivery with the presentation of health insurance enrollment cards to ancillary staff of Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS) and people living with HIV across the state.
The presentation, held on Thursday at the Agency’s headquarters in Calabar, marks the commencement of access to healthcare benefits for the newly enrolled beneficiaries under the state’s social health insurance scheme.
Speaking during the event, the Director General of CRSHIA, Chief Godwin Iyala, expressed gratitude to Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for approving the inclusion of HIV/AIDS services in the state health insurance benefit package.
“We are profoundly grateful to His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for approving the inclusion of HIV coverage in the Cross River State Health Insurance Scheme. This decision reflects a government that places the health and wellbeing of its people at the centre of governance,” Iyala said.
He commended ECEWS for trusting the Agency with the health insurance coverage of its ancillary staff, noting that such partnerships are critical to improving healthcare service delivery in the state.
Chief Iyala reaffirmed the commitment of the Otu-led administration to expanding insurance coverage and improving access to quality healthcare, while also acknowledging the advocacy of the Wife of the Governor, Her Excellency, Bishop Eyoawan Bassey Otu, particularly through Humanity Without Borders (HUWIB).
“Her Excellency has remained steadfast in championing interventions that support the most vulnerable, from free medical outreaches to the inclusion of HIV/AIDS coverage under the insurance scheme,” he added.
He disclosed that 435 people living with HIV were enrolled into the scheme in December, with 227 enrollment cards issued in the first batch, noting that beneficiaries will begin accessing healthcare services in March 2026.
“This is a clear demonstration of our resolve to ensure that no one is left behind. We urge residents to take advantage of this opportunity and enroll to avoid catastrophic out-of-pocket health expenses,” Iyala stated.
In her remarks, Associate Director, Programme Management at ECEWS, Mrs. Francisca Mba, conveyed the goodwill of the State Director, Dr. Joe Umana, and commended the Cross River State Government for the initiative.
“We were pleased when we received notification that enrollment cards for our ancillary staff were ready. This scheme reflects the government’s strong commitment to quality healthcare delivery,” she said.
Mrs. Mba also applauded the inclusion of people living with HIV/AIDS in the benefit package, describing it as a major step toward sustainability of the state’s HIV response.
“The provision of a benefit package for people living with HIV is highly commendable. It improves access to care, ensures affordability, and reduces out-of-pocket expenses, especially during emergencies,” she noted.
She concluded by praising the CRSHIA leadership and staff for their professionalism and thorough enrollment process across various local government areas.
“The Director General and his team demonstrated commendable professionalism and diligence in ensuring eligible beneficiaries were properly enrolled. We are grateful for the collaboration,” she said.
Kingsley Agim
